Advancing Sustainable Solutions for Internal Displacement: A Development-Oriented Framework

The UNDP and JIPS have developed a development-oriented indicator framework to monitor progress on internal displacement by focusing on governance, institutional support, and long-term solutions. The framework aims to integrate displacement into national development strategies, aligning with global goals like the SDGs for more sustainable and accountable responses.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Joint Internal Displacement Profiling Service (JIPS), with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), have developed a comprehensive indicator framework for monitoring progress toward solutions for internal displacement. This framework responds to the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which emphasized the need to strengthen data systems and integrate development-oriented approaches into efforts to address internal displacement. Historically, most responses to internal displacement have focused on humanitarian assistance, such as providing immediate shelter and food to displaced populations. However, this new framework shifts the focus to longer-term, development-driven solutions that aim to reintegrate displaced persons into stable and sustainable environments. The framework is designed to track not only the outcomes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) but also the commitments and actions of governments in creating the conditions necessary for durable solutions.

A Holistic Approach to Monitoring Displacement Solutions

One of the key aspects of the framework is that it addresses a major gap in current displacement monitoring efforts: the lack of emphasis on institutional frameworks and governance mechanisms that are essential for achieving sustainable solutions. While traditional approaches have focused on tracking the numbers and needs of displaced people, this framework introduces indicators that assess the broader enabling environment. These indicators measure states' commitments to addressing displacement, the implementation of policies and programs, and the outcomes of those efforts. By doing so, the framework helps to identify whether governments are providing the necessary structural support to resolve displacement in a way that is both sustainable and conducive to long-term development. For instance, commitment indicators track the existence of national policies, laws, and strategies aimed at addressing internal displacement, while implementation indicators assess whether those policies are being put into action. Outcome indicators, on the other hand, measure the tangible improvements in the lives of IDPs, such as access to basic services, employment, and security.

Global Frameworks Inform the Approach

The framework was developed through an in-depth review of existing displacement-related frameworks, such as the IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicator Framework. Additionally, it was informed by a series of workshops and consultations that involved over 200 individuals from 70 different organizations, including national governments, international agencies, and representatives of displacement-affected communities. This inclusive approach was designed to ensure that the framework is both practical and responsive to the diverse needs of different countries and contexts. Workshops were held in countries like Colombia, Iraq, and Somalia, all of which have large populations of IDPs and varying degrees of governmental capacity to address displacement. These workshops highlighted the need for greater coordination between national and local governments, as well as between humanitarian and development actors, in order to create more coherent and effective responses to internal displacement.

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Another critical aspect of the framework is its alignment with global development goals. It is designed to help countries monitor progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, access to basic services, and social inclusion. By integrating displacement data into national development plans and SDG monitoring frameworks, the framework provides a way to ensure that displacement is not treated as a separate issue but is incorporated into broader development efforts. For example, indicators related to education, healthcare, and housing for IDPs are linked to existing SDG indicators, making it easier for countries to track progress and identify gaps in their responses to displacement.

National Ownership and Capacity Building

The report also emphasizes the importance of national ownership and capacity-building. It highlights that solutions to internal displacement must be led by national governments, with support from international actors as needed. This requires not only political will but also adequate resources, technical expertise, and institutional capacity. The framework includes provisions for tracking government investments in displacement-related programs and assessing the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. In doing so, it aims to create greater accountability and transparency in how governments address internal displacement. For example, the framework encourages governments to include IDPs in national statistics and data systems, which can help to make displacement more visible in national policy discussions and development planning.

Addressing Challenges and Next Steps

The framework is not without its challenges, however. The report acknowledges that implementing such a comprehensive monitoring system will require significant resources and coordination, particularly in countries with weak governance systems or limited data collection capacity. Furthermore, the political nature of displacement data presents a challenge, as governments may have incentives to underreport or manipulate data to align with their narratives. To address these challenges, the report recommends a phased approach to implementation, starting with pilot projects in countries like Colombia, Iraq, and Somalia. These pilots will help to refine the framework and identify best practices before it is rolled out more broadly.

The development-oriented indicator framework created by UNDP and JIPS represents a significant shift in how internal displacement is monitored and addressed. By focusing on governance, institutional frameworks, and long-term development solutions, it provides a more holistic approach to resolving displacement. The framework’s emphasis on national ownership and alignment with global development goals makes it a powerful tool for countries seeking to integrate displacement solutions into their broader development strategies. While challenges remain, the framework offers a path toward more sustainable, inclusive, and accountable responses to internal displacement.